Pick of the glitter

Crystals are a kind of frozen idea of paradise.

They show us that the form of something alone can pierce the heart. – Ben Okri

We all know that tastes can be ambivalent, specifically when it comes to clothing and accessories. One day, we might go for the bohemian chic look with flares and vintage beads; and the next, go for the preppy image with slacks and diamonds or pearls. It is not a crime to do a David Bowie or a Madonna and keep changing personas, but not being able to mix and match accessories correctly can definitely break outfits. The key, perhaps, is to possess the right type of accessories.

Nothing’s more dazzling than diamonds, but since they are such a luxury, crystals are the next best thing. Their sparkle brings a glimmering and shimmering charm. Crystals have become more pop these days: Now, they appear in almost everything – from swimsuits to lingerie and eveningwear ensembles. Believe it or not, crystals even appear on paper and furnishings.

In the wake of crystal mania, Swarovski recently re-launched its Crystallized magazine. The crystal brand is also introducing its latest collection, which includes glittering crystals of semi-finished, loose components that mimic the clean sharp lines of Bauhaus architecture, the golden glamour of Hollywood, as well as the floral flair and mysterious depths of pearls.

Crystallized features articles related to high fashion, jewelry and urban street wear, putting the emphasis on lingerie and swimwear. This emerging trend illustrates the fact that underneath it all, we can never be too over-the-top. Intimate garments, after all, reflect our desire to look and feel exquisite.

For this season, Silk is definitely the trendiest item since it is subtle yet very sensual. Its warm amber tone adds glamour to lingerie and soft fabrics while making accessories stand out like a golden god or a safari princess. The square-shaped Golden Shadow rainbow crystal oscillates between warm and cool. The individualistic and organic Polygon Bead is for the modern lifestyle. Cheers to the beads of the future!

Swarovski’s in-house design team never fails to forge a creative partnership with fashion. For the months to come, expect these trends to define your personality and add the sparkle of diamonds to whatever outfit you’re wearing.

Direkt embodies the progressive Berlin scene. Imagine the folklore of Eastern Europe combined with the 3-D effect of metallic crystals with geometric shapes. Authentic flat colors of blue, gray and amber promise a youthful awakening for wall decorations, funky T-shirts, and accessories.

Liquid Sunshine boasts an exotic appeal influenced by India, Africa, and Morocco. Bright-colored crystals with rich textures are emphasized in the natural reflections of opal, turquoise, and smoked topazes. They create a tropical punch to dangling earrings, amulets, and brooches.

Acid Candy is all about J-pop. Yes, think of the cute and cuddly Hello Kitty in a virtual world. This trend is a great escape from technological overload and manufactured gloss, and into charming dreams of pink, childlike fantasies. Sassy pastel-colored crystals are embroidered on edgy, deconstructed lace materials for the ultimate girly look.

Light and shadow is the perfect balance of colors, shapes, and auras. The classic and timeless ethnic motifs blended alabasters and jets with khaki, silk, and shadowy amber. Garments and decorations have a natural elegance inspired by the harmony of yin and yang.

Grand Hotel brings back the opulent French Riviera glamour of Belle Epoch. The ‘20s era of feather boas, satin glitter, and jewel-encrusted fans were not only grandiose but also erotic, in a sense. Elegant crystals combined with assorted materials are made into chandelier earrings and cascading necklaces mixed with pearls.

I think women will always have a constant craving for crystals. Yeah, as long as there is a star that shines in the sky. Anyway, I don’t think there is a woman out there who doesn’t want to dazzle.